Fire Marshal
Barbara Koffron
The Thrill of the Grill
It is the official start of summer and we have the official start of hot weather. It is time to abandon the kitchen and cook outside!
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2005, U. S. fire departments responded to an estimated 8,300 home1 fires involving grills, hibachis or barbecues, including 3,400 structure fires and 4,900 outside fires. These 8,300 fires caused 10 civilian deaths, 110 reported injuries and 137 million in direct property loss. One-third of all gas grill and charcoal grill home structure fires begin on an exterior balcony or unenclosed porch, 18% started on a courtyard, terrace or patio and 11% started on exterior wall surface.
In 1998, fire departments worked to accelerate the slow downward trend by increasing safety education for the public and enacting fire code provisions to restrict where grills could be used in multifamily dwellings. The City of Phoenix for example has limits on where and what kind of open flame cooking devices can be used in other than one and two family dwellings. At the same time, the propane industry started installing over-fill protection devices on the tanks.
These safety measures have had a very positive and measurable impact on grill-caused fire statistics but your safety and the safety of your family is in your hands. When grilling, follow these safety tips:
- Place the grill away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches
- Periodically remove grease or fat buildup
- Use only proper starter fluid and store the can away from heat sources
- Check propane cylinder hoses for leaks before use
- Keep children and pets from the grill area: declare a three-foot “safe-zone” around the grill
- Dispose of charcoal properly, keeping ash containers outside and away from combustible construction
Propane and charcoal grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors or in any enclosed spaces such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.
For more information about fire safety, visit ahref"www.nfpa.org".
1Homes are dwellings, duplexes, manufactured homes, apartments, townhouses, rowhouses and condominiums.
~~Barbara
Koffron, Fire Marshal
